SKSS Students Showcase Artwork at Perspectives of the Grasslands Exhibition

Posted On Friday November 08, 2024

Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, South Kamloops Secondary School (SKSS) hosted a community reception for their 19th Annual Art Exhibition and Fundraiser.

The Perspectives of the Grasslands Exhibition featured a collection of 50 original artworks by Grade 10–12 SKKS Art students. The students’ works were inspired by the importance and beauty of the Interior Grasslands of BC.

Over three weeks in October, students investigated artistic styles as a way to connect to their community and the grasslands theme while creating their art works. For some students, this was the first time they used acrylic paint and the project offered them a new opportunity to publish and share their artwork in public.

At the opening reception on Wednesday evening at the Sagebrush Theatre, SKSS Principal Chris Preymak welcomed the crowd of parents, friends, family, and community members and shared praise for the talented student, “as I look around at the artwork, what stands out to me is the authentic learning and seeing students’ voices and perspectives in the paintings. These works add a richness to our community and school.”

Art teacher Ms. Lisa Yamaoka shared, “This project started as a way to investigate student learning about the place we live. We wanted to give students real life experience in the visual arts starting with research and learning, exploring techniques, developing and articulating artist statements, curating an exhibition, and then publishing and fundraising.”

Students also shared about their learnings from the project, the importance of the grasslands themes, the challenges of starting with a blank canvas, and how they brainstormed and developed their ideas.

Artworks on display featured visuals of landscapes, animals, wildfires, and local areas with themes connected to beauty, relationships, climate change, and Indigenous perspectives.

Grade 12 student Christine Douglass described the piece titled Mother Nature’s First Love (pictured): “The personification of the sky and grasslands touching noses lovingly, symbolizes the mutual relationships between the water cycle and the grasslands. They help each other regulate and nourish, which are the similar qualities of a loving relationship. The warm and cool colours of the sunset and sky symbolize the complexity of romantic relationships.”

Grade 12 student Bryce Needham’s piece titled Winter’s Embrace (pictured) depicts “a red fox in the snow to capture the beauty of winter, which I’ve loved despite the cold. Red foxes have always fascinated me; I remember learning in second grade that they curl up with their fluffy tails for warmth in winter. I hope this image conveys the warm memories that winter brings me and resonates with others.”

Grade 12 student Rhys Long’s piece titled Edith Lake (pictured) is “a representation of the beauty and subtlety of the grasslands. It is the recreation area of Edith Lake, a popular fishing stop near Kamloops that is known for its beauty. The water is a signature green for its real life counterpart has dark water. Overall, the beauty of the grasslands, captured within this painting, is a showing of peacefulness and connection to the land.”

Each of the students' artworks is a stunning example of how taking creative risks can benefit student learning.

The exhibition theme around grasslands that guided each work of art reminded students of the vital role that art has in our community. “Through art, we can open conversations, share different points of view, and learn from each other,” shared Ms. Lisa Yamaoka.

The SKSS Perspectives of the Grasslands Art Exhibition is on display at the Sagebrush Theatre lobby until December 9, 2024. The 2025 SKSS art calendars and postcards are available for sale at The Art We Are, Kamloops Art Gallery, and the SKSS Main Office.

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